GRODNO, 11 October (BelTA) – The number of travelers crossing the Belarusian-Polish border via the Augustow Canal increased in 2019, BelTA learned from the Grodno regional customs.
The border checkpoint Lesnaya on the Augustow Canal closed on 1 October. The checkpoint is seasonal and operates from May to October. In 2019, more than 3,000 travelers crossed the Belarusian-Polish border here.
People are allowed to cross the border at the checkpoint on foot, by bicycle, or by water transport. The Grodno regional customs reported more border crossings by water transport. This year, the checkpoint handled 400 canoes and boats, which was up 40% year-on-year. Approximately 1,500 tourists crossed the border by bicycle.
The Augustow Canal is gaining popularity among tourists, the sport and tourism department of the Grodno regional administration noted. This season, the international cycling route AvgustVelo was launched. In Belarus, the route runs from Grodno to the border. Moreover, the local authorities also developed several various new routes for canoeists.
The border checkpoint Lesnaya on the Augustow Canal will open again in May 2020.
